Analyzer apparatus

ABSTRACT

An analytical apparatus for use in transporting in an automatic analyzer, a plurality of individual analytical samples having several transport bands each band including one or more receptacles for containing samples alternating with one or more apertures, the bands being offset with respect to one another to display at a position on one band a receptacle where all other bands have apertures thereby enabling the bands to be married to each other to form a continuous series of receptacles for passage by a sample transfer station and further enabling the bands to be individually passed through separate analyzing stations.

United States Patent Halbartschlager et al.

54] ANALYZER APPARATUS [72] Inventors: Ingomar Halbartschlager, Basel;Alfred Heim, Mohlin, both of Switzerland [73] Assignee: Hoffmann-LaRoche, Inc., Nutley,

[22] Filed: May 20,1971 30 E si fl499 mm?yfiQFiiXPi'i.M,

June 1, 1970 Switzerland ..8161/ 21 Appl.No.: 145,152

[52] US. Cl. ..198/1, 206/56 AB [51] Int. Cl. ..B65g B65d 83/00 [58]FieldofSearch ..198/13l,29, l;53/1l;

206/56 A, 56 AB, 65 F [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS3,465,874 9/1969 Hugle ..198/131 Oct. 24, 1972 Leon and Jacob Frank [57]ABSTRACT An analytical apparatus for use in transporting in an automaticanalyzer, a plurality of individual analytical samples having severaltransport bands each band including one or more receptacles forcontaining samples alternating with one or more apertures, the bandsbeing offset with respect to one another to display at a position on oneband a receptacle vwhere all other bands have apertures thereby enablingthe bands to be married to each other to form a continuous series ofreceptacles for passage by a sample transfer station and furtherenabling the bands to be individually passed through separate analyzingstations.

9 Claims, 6 Drawing Figures PATE NTEflnm 24 I972 I 3.700 089 sum 1 are'PATENTEnum 24 I912 3. 700 0853 saw 2 0F 3 nnnunnnnulnnnnunnuuunnunnunuuuunnunr.

nthFILM I 2ndFILM I nth FILM I 1 I uunununuuuuunnnnuunuunuuuunnuciunnununnnuuuuuuuun FIG; 3

"iununnnunnnnuuuunnnnuununnuunuu "unuununuununnunun [QEJJE JEIU'EJUU-DDUDDDODDDUDDDUDDDDDDUDDUDDDDD DUDDDDDDDDODDDDDDDOCIDDOODDUDDDDDODDDDDDDDDDDDDDOD DUUDCIJDIIDDD DDDDDO.UODCIDDUDUDDDDDDDUDDDUDDDUDODUUUO DODDUCIIDODDUDCIDDD IDOODODDUDDUDDDDHJ DODDDDOODDGD IDODDUDDDDDDDD DUDDUDDnnouuunnnuuuuuuununnnunuuuunu mnuuuununuuunnunnuun FIG, 4

PATENTEIJom 24 I972 v I sum 3 or 3 r-- I ISY F mcus CHAMBER i k REAGENTMIXING STATION 45 SAMPLE PUMPS PUMPS T "l I/ DRIVE 49 I MOTOR I I I 4FIG. 5 J r r v mcua g--- CHAMBER L j ANALYZER APPARATUS BACKGROUND OFTHE INVENTION This invention is concerned with the automatic analyses ofspecimens and more particularly to a technique for transportingindividual receptacles or containers in automatic analyzer forindividual analyses.

In connection with apparatus for automatically carrying out a series ofanalyses, it is known to conduct the specimens or samples to be analyzedthrough the various analysis stations (reagent addition, incubation,measurement) with a continuously working conveying device.

Such systems normally entail a strict order of succession of theindividual samples, which, of course, dictates a loss in theflexibilityof a system. This disadvantage essentially arises from the fact that forone passage of a series of samples only a single incubation time andtemperature or a single specific sequence of incubation times andtemperatures (in the case of several incubation chambers arranged inseries) can be chosen. A separate sample passage has to be provided foreach analysis requiring another incubation time or temperature. Forexample, in a case in which perhaps analyses are carried out for eachsample, for the first incubation chamber alone there may amount to fivedifferent time-temperature combinations which correspondingly make fivepassages necessary. Disadvantages flowing from such circumstances areobvious: between every two passages, the incubation chambers have tooperate empty and their temperature has to be readjusted, and; the newincubation time has to be monitored. The latter, of course, involves anincreased expenditure of time, and consequently uneconomic idling timesof other equipment. This also means that storage of samples for thedifferent passages must be provided preceding the measurement operationand storage of results must be provided subsequently. The final resultsfor a sample can thus only be issued after completion of the lastpassage. Such type storage installations must fulfill high requirementswith respect to access time, which is very expensive, particularly inthe case of storage for samples.

A further disadvantage of this system consists in that the result ofurgent individual analyses (which can be interpolated between twopassages) is only available after prolonged waiting time, however, it isoften desired (e.g. in emergencies) to obtain such results rapidly.

SUMMARY The object of the present invention is to provide a conveyingmeans which overcomes the disadvantages of the aforedescribed knownconveying means. This is achieved by a conveying means which comprisesseveral synchronously running transport bands, parallel at least inplaces, in that on each of these transport bands one or more receptaclesalternate with one or more apertures, in that in each instance at aposition at which one transport band displays a receptable all othertransport bands have apertures, and in that the transport bands eithercan be conducted flatly on top of or behind each other, the receptaclesof all transport hands together forming a continuous series, or can beconducted separately at a distance from each other, for

example through different analyzing stations. The transport bands onwhich one or more receptacles alternate with one or more window-shapedapertures are therefore a particular feature of the invention.

A further object consists of undertaking several incubations by repeatedpassage of a transport hand through an incubation chamber andundertaking measurements at any given time between the individualincubations.

Further objects of the invention become evident from the descriptionhereinafter, undertaken with reference to the attached drawing, of 'aconveying means for analytical samples as a working example of theinvention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF Tl-IEDRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of apart of a conveying means in accordance with the invention, composed ofthree transport bands, for the transport of samples through an automaticanalyzer.

FIGS. 2-4 represent various combination possibilities of transport andreceptacle and aperture arrangements.

FIGS. 5, 6 is schematic flow diagram of an analysis run using theconveying means in accordance with the invention.

The conveying means shown in FIG. 1 consists of three transport bands11, 21, 31 which are combined to run together at point 10, are conductedclosely beside each other between the points 10 and 20 and are separatedat point 20.

Each transport band displays receptacles or containers arranged atregular intervals. The receptacles of the first transport band 11 whichcan be seen in FIG. 1 are denoted by 12, 13, 14, those of the secondtransportband 21 by 22, 23, 24 and those of third transport band 31 by32, 33, 34. Between each two receptacles or containers of a transportband there are empty spaces the number of which is generally dependenton the desired number of transport bands to be implemented and, in thepresent case amounts to two. For example, the empty spaces Hand 16accordingly lie between the receptacles 12 and 13 of the transport band11. Such an empty space (e.g. '15) essentially has the form of anaperture or of a window in the transport band. It is so dimensioned anddisposed that when the transport bands are brought together or marriedat point 10, a receptacle of a transport band lying behind can readilyfit in. Thus, for example, the receptacle 22 of transport band 21 fitsinto the aperture 15 and the receptacle 32 of transport band 31similarly fits into the aperture 26 of the second band 21 and theaperture 16 of the first band 11, and so on.

After being temporarily combined or married at point 10, the receptaclesproject through the apertures on the front side of the group of combinedbands between the points 10 and 20 to take on the appearance andoperational characteristics of a single transport band with a continuousseries of receptacles. At point 20 the bands are separated intoindividual transport bands which can then perhaps be subjected todifferent procedures.

The construction of the individual bands by way of the examples of thetransport band 11, may be comprised of two strip-shaped layers 17, 18each consisting of a transparent, flexible and heat-weldable foil ofsynthetic material. Before being mated, bulges are pressed in one of thetwo foil strips (e.g. 18) at fixed intervals determined by thereceptacle disposition already described, while the second strip 17 isused in the unaltered flat state. These two strips are so welded witheach other than the bulges form sealed pocket-shape receptacles. In afurther step, windows with suitable dimensions are stamped at intervalswhich are likewise determined by the hereinbefore described manner offormation of groups of bands. At the same time, there can be stamped inthe transport band perforations 19, which, however, can also already bepresent in the starting material. According to a slightly modifiedmethod of production, continuous series of receptacles can be formed inthe transport bands which can then be stamped out as occasion demands.

The combination of three transport bands 11, 21 31, with receptacles atregular intervals, is particularly suitable for the simultaneouscarrying out of three separate series of analyses with differentincubation times and/or temperatures, as is evident from the descriptionof the course of a series of analyses with reference to FIG. 5. However,there are cases in which considerably more than three analyses persample are carried out, in which more than three different incubationtimes and temperatures also have. to be provided for. However, theconveying means in accordance with the invention is very readilyadaptable to such conditions, as is shown with reference to FIGS. 2-4.

In a first case, it is assumed that n analyses,'all of which requiredifferent incubation conditions, are carried out with one sample. Thegroup of bands must therefore have n individual transport bands, each ofwhich provides a receptacle for an amount of each sample. There resultsan arrangement in which, as is evident from FIG. 2, in the firsttransport band in each case a sample receptacle 41 alternates with n-lempty spaces 42, in the second transport band, displaced by one space, asample receptacle 43 alternates with n-l empty spaces 44, and so on. Ina second example, shown in FIG. 3, 2 n analyses are to be carried outwith each sample, whereby pairs of which require the same incubationconditions. Accordingly each of n transport bands has two chambers foreach sample, alternating with 2(n-l apertures.

A further example, which reproduces a frequently occurring case, isshown in FIG. 4. Here it is assumed that the individual incubationconditions are in each case suitable for a different number of analyses,and therefore individual transport bands must provide a different numberof successively disposed receptacles for each sample. Accordingly alldesired or necessary combinations are possible. The combinations can bereadily adapted to the immediate requirements by a suitable control ofthe stamping apparatus and/or of the apparatus for producing thereceptacles which can, for example, be programmed.

The passage of a group of a transport bands through the various stationsof a conventional automatic analyzer is shown in FIG. 5. The individualtransport bands are produced at the input of the system or are unwoundfrom storage reels and driven by a suitable drive motor so to be broughttogether at a point'45 so that the chambers form a continuous series(corresponds to point 10 in FIG. 1). The transport band group thusformed, passes through a series of filling stations in whichpredetermined amounts of samples and reagents are filled into thereceptacles. The receptacles subsequently pass a mixing station in whichthe samples are mixed with the reagents, for example by application ofacoustic vibrations. The mixing station is the last station which ispassed through by all transport bands together. Before the subsequentincubation, the trans port bands are separated at point 49 andindividually conducted to the incubation chambers 51, in which case theincubation times and/or temperatures can be different. After theincubation, the reactions effected have to be measured. For thispurpose, depending on the requirements of the measurement either all ora part of the transport bands can again be brought together andconducted through a measuring apparatus or each band can be individuallyassigned to a separate measuring apparatus. After the measurement, thebands are usually immediately destroyed.

In the case of kinetic or enzymatic measurements, the samples arerepeatedly incubated, usually under the same conditions, and thereaction is measured between the individual incubations. As is evidentfrom FIG. 6, the transport bands in accordance with the invention aresuitable for such enzymatic measurements. A transport band 54, whichcontains the samples and reagents intended for the enzymaticmeasurements, passes during the time t, through the incubation chamber55 which is specially constructed for several incubation passages. Afterthe first incubation for t, a first measurement is effected in themeasuring apparatus 56 (e.g. a photometer). The band is subsequentlydirected back into the incubation chamber and passes through this for asecond incubation during the time t After a further, second measurement,a third and possibly further incubation passages are effected. Since thetransport band displays receptacles and apertures alternately, theindividual loops of the band resulting from the repeated passages canrun together at the point 57 before the measuring apparatus 56 in thesame way as the individual transport bands forming the conveying meansin accordance with the invention (corresponding to the procedure atpoint 10 of FIG. 1) and thus be measured in a measuring apparatus.

The operation can be further clarified with reference to FIG. 1. Betweenthe points 10 and 20, by means of a suitable filling device threepredetermined amounts of each sample can in each case be filled intothree receptacles arriving successively at the filling device, that isin time order a sample A into the receptacles 14, 24, 34, a sample Binto receptacles 13, 23, 33, a sample C into receptacles 12, 22, 32 andso on. The reagents are subsequently added with similar devices, that isa first reagent successively into receptacles 14, 13, 12 a secondreagent into receptacles 24, 23, 22 and so on.

We claim:

1. An analytical apparatus for transporting in an automatic analyzer, aplurality of analytical samples where each sample is adapted to becontained in a spatially separated individual receptacle comprising,

at least a pair of transport bands, each bandincluding one or more ofsuch receptacles alternating with one or more apertures each having anopening configuration adapted for receiving a receptacle, and

said bands when offset with respect to one another, displaying on oneband a receptacle at a position where all other bands have aperturesenabling said bands to be married on top of or behind each other wherebythe receptacles of bands lying behind project through the apertures ofthe bands lying ahead to form a continuous series of receptacles forsample receiving purposes.

2. An analytical apparatus according to claim 1, where each transportband is comprised of substantially flat foil strips provided withpocket-shaped receptacles.

3. An analytical apparatus according to claim 2 where each transportband comprises two strip-shaped foils of synthetic material joinedflatly with each other, between which pocket-shaped receptacles areformed by the bulging of one foil strip.

4. An analytical apparatus in accordance with claim 1, where one or morereceptacles alternate with one or more apertures the dimensions of whichapertures are equal to or greater than the corresponding externaldimensions of the receptacles.

5. In a system for automatically analyzing a plurality of analyticalsamples each adapted to be spatially separated and contained inindividual receptacles, comprising:

at least a pair of separate transport bands;

each of said bands including one or more of such receptacles alternatingwith one or more apertures having an opening configuration adapted forreceiving a receptacle;

said bands when offset with respect to one another, displaying on oneband a receptacle at a position where all other bands have apertures,enabling said bands to be married to each other whereby the receptaclesof bands lying behind project through the apertures of the bands lyingahead to form a continuous series of receptacles; and,

conveying means adapted for driving said bands in synchronism in suchmarried relationship past a sample transfer station.

6. In a system according to claim 5 whereby said conveying means alsoincludes means for individually driving said bands by separate sampleanalyzing stations.

7. In a system according to claim 1 where each transport band iscomprised of substantially flat foil strips provided with pocket-shapedreceptacles.

8. In a system according to claim 5, where each transport band comprisestwo strip-shaped foils of synthetic material welded flatly with eachother, between which receptacles are formed by the bulging of one foilstrip.

9. In a system according to claim 5 where one or more receptaclesalternate with one or more apertures the dimensions of which aperturesare equal to or greater than the corresponding external dimensions ofthe receptacles.

1. An analytical apparatus for transporting in an automatic analyzer, aplurality of analytical samples where each sample is adapted to becontained in a spatially separated individual receptacle comprising, atleast a pair of transport bands, each band including one or more of suchreceptacles alternating with one or more apertures each having anopening configuration adapted for receiving a receptacle, and said bandswhen offset with respect to one another, displaying on one band areceptacle at a position where all other bands have apertures enablingsaid bands to be married on top of or behind each other whereby thereceptacles of bands lying behind project through the apertures of thebands lying ahead to form a continuous series of receptacles for samplereceiving purposes.
 2. An analytical apparatus according to claim 1,where each transport band is comprised of substantially flat foil stripsprovided with pocket-shaped receptacles.
 3. An analytical apparatusaccording to claim 2 where each transport band comprises twostrip-shaped foils of synthetic material joined flatly with each other,between which pocket-shaped receptacles are formed by the bulging of onefoil strip.
 4. An analytical apparatus in accordance with claim 1, whereone or more receptacles alternate with one or more apertures thedimensions of which apertures are equal to or greater than thecorresponding external dimensions of the receptacles.
 5. In a system forautomatically analyzing a plurality of analytical samples each adaptedto be spatially separated and contained in individual receptacles,comprising: at least a pair of separate transport bands; each of saidbands including one or more of such receptacles alternating with one ormore apertures having an opening configuration adapted for receiving areceptacle; said bands when offset with respect to one another,displaying on one band a receptacle at a position where all other bandshave apertures, enabling said bands to be married to each other wherebythe receptacles of bands lying behinD project through the apertures ofthe bands lying ahead to form a continuous series of receptacles; and,conveying means adapted for driving said bands in synchronism in suchmarried relationship past a sample transfer station.
 6. In a systemaccording to claim 5 whereby said conveying means also includes meansfor individually driving said bands by separate sample analyzingstations.
 7. In a system according to claim 1 where each transport bandis comprised of substantially flat foil strips provided withpocket-shaped receptacles.
 8. In a system according to claim 5, whereeach transport band comprises two strip-shaped foils of syntheticmaterial welded flatly with each other, between which receptacles areformed by the bulging of one foil strip.
 9. In a system according toclaim 5 where one or more receptacles alternate with one or moreapertures the dimensions of which apertures are equal to or greater thanthe corresponding external dimensions of the receptacles.